Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 41.6% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $3121 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $112,550.336 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 63.1% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Boston, MA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3121 per month, or $37450 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.6K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 41.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,121

Savings

Annual Impact

$37.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$176K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Boston, MA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $3,326less	63.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $642less	35.1%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $234less	12.8%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$503/mo	↓ $213less	29.8%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$582/mo	↓ $161less	21.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$919/mo	↓ $160less	14.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.1%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$3,326

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.1%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$642

less

📦Other

↓ 12.8%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$234

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 29.8%

Boston, MA

$716

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$213

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 21.7%

Boston, MA

$743

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$161

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.8%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$160

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Boston, MA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,030

↓ $2,065

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,170

↓ $2,085

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,360

↓ $2,505

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$1,760

↓ $2,870

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$4,737

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Indianapolis

$961K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 82% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Indianapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$221

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.